Question

A patient reports to the ER complaining of vague discomfort, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, watery diarrhea, chills, and fever. The patient reports she has not traveled outside the U.S. Since it occurs at the height of the norovirus season, the ER physician assumes it is another run of the mill case. When the lab reports a quick test of cholera, the public health department is called in. Could this be a potential bioterrorism attempt? Why or why not? Provide a solid rationale for your response along with appropriate references.

Answer 1

This is a clear case of potential bioterrorism attempt.

Bioterrorism agents are pathogenic organisms or biological toxins that are used to produce death and disease in humans, animals, or plants for terrorist purposes. These agents are typically microorganisms found in nature, but it is possible that they could be modified to increase their virulence, make them resistant to current antibiotics or vaccines, or to enhance the ability of these agents to be disseminated into the environment.

In this Case study, stomach flu caused by virus so it is a case of potential bioterrorism attempt.

An intestinal infection marked by diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.

Stomach flu is typically spread by contact with an infected person or through contaminated food or water.

Diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever are common symptoms.

Symptoms

· Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection.

· Abdominal cramps and pain.

· Nausea, vomiting or both.

· Occasional muscle aches or headache.

· Low-grade fever.

Treatment consists of fluids

Avoiding contaminated food and water and washing hands can often help prevent infection. Rest and rehydration are the mainstays of treatment.

Supportive care

Fluid replacement, Oral rehydration therapy and IV fluids

Medications

Antibiotics and Dietary supplement.